“‘Staying consistent is crucial’: Phil Simmons discusses Bangladesh’s transition phase, spin challenges, and captaincy choices”

On April 14, Bangladesh started preparing for their two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in Sylhet. Before training, Phil Simmons, who will lead the squad till the 2027 World Cup, talked to Cricbuzz about his coaching philosophy and his aspirations to lead a team that is currently going through a transition after a number of veteran players retired.

These are the quotes:

Bangladesh is undergoing a moment of transition. After some veteran players left the dressing room, what do you want to prioritise?

From the perspective of not frequently switching players, consistency should be the top priority for a team going through a transitional phase. We’re going to work on creating a cohesive team. We will have greater success the more we play together and the better we understand one another. Consistency is therefore crucial during the transition: first in our selection; second in our style of play; and third in our mindset and training methods.

In light of the upcoming volume of T20 cricket, how would you like to structure the T20I unit?

We’ve seen the quality in the West Indies, so you know it’s there when you look at the top, where someone like Emon is now entering. It’s about building the team, in my opinion. Next up are the Asia Cup and World Cup, followed by a few Twenty20 Internationals. Therefore, we must decide how we want to play T20 cricket in order to prepare for those. We’re going to focus on identifying our strengths in the lead-up to the Asia Cup since some teams play hard early on and others at the end.

Bangladesh’s greatest strength used to be in ODIs, but the team appears to be lagging behind. How would you rate that?

I believe that we are not putting enough runs on the board, which is the reason we are failing as an ODI unit. Every successful team scores between 280 and 290; if you fall below that, you have trouble competing with the more established teams. Our bowling and fielding, in my opinion, are almost at our desired level. All we have to do is score runs and have our batters accept ownership of their actions each time they bat.

Although the PowerPlay receives a lot of attention, are the middle overs (11–40) problematic as well, particularly when aiming for a late start?

I’m not sure who is claiming that PowerPlay is involved. Indeed, PowerPlay is crucial, but it’s more crucial in T20Is than ODIs. You must regularly score five, six, or more runs per over in the middle overs of ODIs. You’re correct; during that time, we were under pressure. As a batting unit, that is the main thing we need to improve on in ODI cricket.

Mahmudullah, Shakib, and Mushfiqur are no longer participating in ODIs. How are you going to cover the gap?

Although I believe our young players have potential, Shakib didn’t take off after just two games. Neither Mahmudullah nor Mushfiqur rose to fame after two games; they took their time. Therefore, you need to provide the guys who are filling that void—as you’re calling it—the same amount of time. Now is the time to begin preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Allow the players to become proficient in those periods. There are players emerging who will also become stars, just like those three did for Bangladesh.

With the test team, what are the main areas you wish to concentrate on?

The emphasis in Test cricket is on batting for extended periods of time, such as two days or 100 overs. The group has proven they are capable. We demonstrated that in the West Indies, particularly in the second Test, and we did it in Pakistan. Thus, the capability exists. However, it must occur consistently. We will be improving if we can consistently have one player get 100 points in each Test or every two Tests. We already have excellent bowling.

How are you going to combat Zimbabwe?

Who we’re playing doesn’t matter. Regardless of the opposition, I want to have a distinct playing style that is always the same. We should outperform a team that is ranked lower than us. And we should take a methodical approach to playing to win when we take on a squad with a higher ranking. This must begin immediately. In the second Test match against the West Indies, we displayed hints of it. I would like to see us continue to play Test cricket with that mindset.

Do you think Bangladesh isn’t generating many bowlers who can turn the ball, particularly in Test matches?

Phil Simmons believe that we have enough talent to form a strong team in Twenty20 cricket.

You need spinners, and slow bowlers and spinners are not the same thing. I enjoy spinners. Slow bowlers don’t appeal to me. Therefore, coming forward, it will be a major priority. There is Mushtaq Ahmed, who also enjoys that. I have played against him, so I am aware of his preparation, bowling style, and on-field mentality. He will thus work on that. You have a better chance of taking wickets the more you turn the ball.

Do you watch Bangladeshi domestic cricket matches?

Yes, I have been keeping an eye on the scores and the top performers.

How can you track domestic performers with the help of Muhammad Salahuddin?

Sallo, also known as Salahuddin, has been outstanding. I’m now getting to know the majority of the guys, and he knows them all. He’s been excellent for the ones I don’t know, and we’ve been discussing players on a daily basis. While I’m away, he keeps me informed by watching the Dhaka Premier League. He is familiar with the players and the Bangladeshi system. Therefore, having him there is beneficial.

Do you have a better understanding of the Bangladeshi system now?

I’m making progress. Recall that I was only there for a specific amount of time. However, I’ll keep learning as I go.

How do you feel about BCB’s position on player release and franchise cricket? While playing for Afghanistan, you seen the advantages of league cricket. How are you going to achieve equilibrium?

I don’t yet fully understand the mechanism, as you mentioned. I need to know what the relevant parties are thinking about these leagues. There is no denying that many players participate in these leagues and get valuable knowledge from them. In order to strike a balance, we will all take responsibility for it, sit down to talk, and decide how to promote Bangladesh cricket while letting players advance through these competitions. We’ll have that huge conversation when I get there.

You want a route from age-group to the national squad, and you’ve talked to various local coaches about it. Could you give further details?

Every other team’s performance should mirror our choices for the national squad. Even the Under-19 team should be aware of the standards the national team has for its players, even though they may be a little different. A player’s move to the national team is facilitated by the increased training and playing similarities between the A squad and High Performance teams.

You have seen Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan, and Najmul Hossain leading from close quarters. What is your opinion of their captaincy?

Santo is a leader, in my opinion, and the locker room recognises his respect and captaincy. It’s obvious when you sit down, listen, and watch players. Because of the way he managed the team, the bowlers, the environment, and the composure on the pitch, I believe Litton was outstanding during the Caribbean T20 series. In the games he commanded there, Miraz excelled as well. We therefore have three capable leaders. To be honest, it’s not simply about a captain since there are four or five people with leadership skills.

More than 400 international matches have been coached by you. What is your philosophy and how do you see your coaching journey?

My experience as a coach has been great. Trying to help players get better at what they’re meant to do for the team has been the main focus. I’ve always believed that the more you prepare, the easier the match day will be. Additionally, I think that everyone must play for the team and support one another because the team is greater than any one player. Though mainly positive, there have been some difficult moments. And I’m happy to see that players I used to train are now succeeding elsewhere.

How can you encourage a player who is struggling?

Every gamer is unique. You must be aware of who should be shouted at, who should be talked to, and who simply needs some work and a gentle word. You must determine each player’s needs when they are not playing. You don’t have to be on them when they’re doing well. However, they require your assistance—both as a coaching group and as a coach—when they are having difficulties.